Hate Crimes Bill Progresses Through The State Legislature On Behind The Headlines

A Utah hate crimes bill clears another hurdle, but its sponsor says he expects a fight on the senate floor. Lawmakers unveil a proposed ban so-called conversion therapy. And the Sandy City Council opens an investigation into the city's response to contaminated water. At 9 a.m. on Friday, Salt Lake Tribune senior managing editor Matt Canham, reporter Taylor Stevens, and columnist George Pyle join KCPW's Roger McDonough to talk about the week's top stories. Every Friday at 9 a.m., stream "Behind the Headlines" at kcpw.org, or tune in to KCPW 88.3 FM or Utah Public Radio for the broadcast. Join the live conversation by calling (801) 355-TALK.

In a new study, University of Utah geographers sought to understand the factors fueling hate across space. Their findings paint a rather grim reality of America; hate is a national phenomenon, and more complicated than they imagined.

The researchers mapped the patterns of active hate groups in every U.S. county in the year 2014, and analyzed their potential socioeconomic and ideological drivers.